The port of Antwerp-Bruges implemented a new operational model at the beginning of 2024, dividing the area into nine zones. Initially, private operator Lineas was assigned three zones but now it will take over three more, making it the main rail operator in one of Europe’s top three ports.
The new division of the port of Antwerp is part of the Railport project, which aims at increasing the modal share of rail at the port, set at 7% in 2024, to 15% by 2030. Lineas was initially tasked with the operations in zones 1, 2 and part of 6. Now, it has full control of zone 6 and gains it in zones 3, 4 and 5. In the original system, zone 3 was assigned to Railtraxx, zone 4 to DB Cargo and zone 5 was made available for more tailored solutions.
In other words, Lineas will now be in charge of rail operations across the whole eastern side of the port of Antwerp. The six zones now controlled by the Belgian company will be Kanaaldokken, Buitenschoor, Bevrijdingsdok, Oorderen, Old Port, and Oosterweel. The remaining zones (7,8 and 9) on the western side of the port should remain under the control of Railtraxx.
Lineas’ financial difficulties
If, on the one hand, Lineas’ business seems to be growing, its finances are not doing as well. Last week, the Belgian government approved a loan for 61 million euros to keep the company, struggling financially since the post COVID-19 era, alive. This is the third instalment of financial aid meant for Lineas since 2024, year in which the government increase its stake in the company to 45%. In total, over the past 19 months, the company received over 160 million euros from its shareholders (French investment fund Argos Wityu owns the remaining 55%) and the Belgian regions of Flanders and Wallonia.